Hurry Up! Time is Running Out! Submit Nominations Now for the 3D Printing Industry Awards 2023
Exciting news from AMCM, a Germany-based partner company of 3D printer manufacturer EOS! They have just announced the development of their latest metal Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) 3D printer, the AMCM M 8K. This new printer will be a significant upgrade from their existing AMCM M 4K system, incorporating 8 1kW lasers and boasting an impressive build volume of 800 x 800 x 1200 mm.
What makes this development even more remarkable is that it is being aided by a national grant awarded to support aerospace firm ArianeGroup’s Ariane 6 program, which is conducted on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). The first application of the AMCM M 8K will be in the manufacturing of combustion chambers for ArianeGroup’s Prometheus rocket engine. These combustion chambers, printed in CuCr1Zr, are over 1,000 mm in height and have a maximum diameter of 800 mm.
According to Martin Bullemer, Managing Director at AMCM, the new M 8K System will be operational within a year, and the first 3D printed combustion chambers are set to be delivered to ArianeGroup by the end of 2024. Jan Alting, Head of Future Propulsion at ArianeGroup, expressed his excitement about this partnership, saying that AMCM’s willingness to push the boundaries of what’s possible aligns perfectly with the requirements of ArianeGroup projects.
Quality is of utmost importance for ArianeGroup, as they must meet ESA’s strict standards for launch approval. Alting explains, “We place the greatest value on part quality, e.g., material microstructure and surface roughness. We are confident that we will be able to solve this challenge in a short period of time and help the company enter new markets. Promoting cutting-edge technological innovation is an integral part of our mission.”
AMCM’s expertise in laser, scanner, and optics design, combined with EOS’s SmartFusion and EOSTATE Exposure OT systems, will ensure improved in-process quality assurance and process monitoring for the M 8K. The company believes that this integration will reduce subsequent testing efforts, given the longer 3D print runs and larger part capabilities of the M 8K.
The challenges faced by AMCM in designing the M 8K were primarily related to size. Bullemer says, “The build volume is 4 times that of the M 4K, which also means mass. Therefore, the z-axis of the system must be able to move up to 5 tons of powder with the highest precision.” He also emphasizes the importance of reliable powder management when printing tall parts, stating that interrupting the process is not an option.
The use of additive manufacturing for space rocket components is gaining traction in the industry. Agile Space Industries is pursuing certification of Ni625 powder for 3D printed space rocket components, while Skyrora is conducting full-duration testing on its updated 3D printed rocket engine design. BEAMIT SpA is providing 3D printed aerospace parts for the Cygnus program, contributing to the resupplying of the International Space Station (ISS) and the advancement of space exploration.
This is an exciting time for the additive manufacturing industry, as technologies continue to evolve and push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. The development of the AMCM M 8K is just one example of how 3D printing is revolutionizing the aerospace sector. With the support of partnerships and grants, companies like AMCM and ArianeGroup are driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions.
So, don’t waste any more time! Make sure to nominate your favorite companies, products, and individuals for the 3D Printing Industry Awards 2023 before it’s too late. This is your chance to recognize the game-changers and contribute to shaping the future of this exciting industry. Hurry up and submit your nominations now!
**Exploring the Boundless Possibilities of Additive Manufacturing with Cygnus Spacecraft**
In a world driven by advancements in technology and innovation, additive manufacturing has emerged as a game-changer. The ability to create complex structures and components layer by layer has revolutionized industries ranging from automotive to healthcare. And now, the aerospace industry is also embracing this groundbreaking technology to push the boundaries of exploration and space travel.
One notable example of this is the Cygnus spacecraft, manufactured by Northrop Grumman. Designed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS), Cygnus not only showcases the incredible capabilities of additive manufacturing but also exhibits the potential it holds for the future of space exploration.
Traditionally, manufacturing components for space missions has been a time-consuming and expensive process, requiring intricate machining and fabrication techniques. However, additive manufacturing has transformed this narrative. By employing 3D printing technology, the production of complex parts for spacecraft has become more efficient, cost-effective, and precise.
The Cygnus spacecraft is a testament to these advancements. It incorporates various 3D printed components, including combustion chambers, which have been hot fire tested by ArianeGroup. This milestone highlights the reliability and performance of 3D printed parts, paving the way for further exploration and innovation in the aerospace industry.
But why is additive manufacturing so significant in the realm of space travel? The answer lies in its ability to overcome the limitations of traditional manufacturing techniques. With 3D printing, designers can create intricate geometries that were once deemed impossible. This not only reduces the weight of the spacecraft but also enhances its overall performance and durability.
Moreover, additive manufacturing enables rapid prototyping, allowing engineers to iterate designs quickly and efficiently. This iterative process is crucial for space missions, as it allows for continuous improvements and the adaptation of components to new challenges.
The benefits of additive manufacturing extend beyond the manufacturing process itself. By utilizing this technology, space agencies can reduce waste and improve sustainability. Traditional manufacturing involves excessive material wastage, whereas 3D printing minimizes material usage by only depositing what is needed. This not only saves costs but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable approach to space exploration.
As the aerospace industry continues to embrace additive manufacturing, the possibilities for space travel become endless. From reducing the cost of missions to enabling the creation of previously unimaginable structures, this technology has the potential to transform the way we explore the cosmos.
If you are inspired by the limitless potential of additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry, consider pursuing a career in this exciting field. Visit 3D Printing Jobs to explore a wide range of available roles and take your first steps towards shaping the future of space exploration.
In conclusion, the Cygnus spacecraft manufactured by Northrop Grumman serves as a remarkable example of the power of additive manufacturing in aerospace. By harnessing the potential of 3D printing, we can propel our endeavors in space exploration to unprecedented heights. Let us embrace this groundbreaking technology and unlock the boundless possibilities it holds for the future.
